Sacred Sites of Tennessee's Most Read Articles
- lvenegas13
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
Happy Summer, and thanks to all of you who subscribe to Sacred Sites of Tennessee or visit the site. I’m currently visiting several places as I research and write a post that will be coming to you soon. But in the meantime, I thought I’d reflect on the two-plus years this blog has been running and share the most popular posts that have been read, not only in Tennessee but across the nation and around the world! To think that this little passion project of mine should be of interest to people from so many cultures and places is humbling and awe-inspiring, and I’m truly grateful to you all for your continued support!
Since this blog covers religious sites, natural wonders, pre-historic structures, places with cultural/historic relevance and other spiritual centers, there’s a bit of everything on this list. All of them are fascinating to me, and whatever the reason for their popularity on the internet I think the topics listed below must touch something inside us that feeds our soul. Without further ado, the most popular posts on SSTN!
I guarantee you have never seen a church like this in your life, as very few churches from the Egyptian Revival movement remain in the US, and none are this pretty! It's vibrant, colorful and welcoming, especially during tour times where you can really be shown some special features. These pictures don't do it justice, go visit it for yourself!
This pre-historic site with an American settler component is hidden in plain view in Brentwood, just a short drive from the interstate and all things Brentwood. The main mound is quite big, but what you learn about all of the mounds is utterly fascinating! It's also a chance to learn a bit more about those who settled in Middle Tennesse and just a short drive from Nashville. A greenway runs alongside the park and is also a nice place to walk or run.
A beautiful natural setting surrounded by rivers and waterfalls with a huge open field, and an archaeological construction meant to celebrate the Summer Solstice. So much to love about this site, a wonderful place to get to know those who once worshipped here, and a scenic place to hike and explore!
One of the most fascinating cemeteries in our state, with an incredibly rich history. The characters here are so interesting that the cemetery hosts a popular writing contest every year based on its residents! They do the garden movement right at Elmwood by combining memorials with a Level II Arboretum, old-growth forest, bird sanctuary and a cultural park!
Because of electricity it can be difficult to find a truly isolated place where the light from cities won’t interfere with your view of the night sky. Yet here in TN we have quite a few sites where you can see the Milky Way or experience the Leonid meteor showers. Enjoy!
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that this is my favorite cemetery in Tennessee. The crypts and monuments are outstanding as is the diverse population who rests here. Some of the most important figures in Tennesse history reside here, and their impact can be felt all over the state. You will definitely be taking pictures, and a picnic among the stones is encouraged!
A fascinating and enigmatic leader, a gorgeous setting, and a Hindu connection that celebrates yoga, inner growth and environmentalism: this ashram is only one of two in the US started by Sadhguru (the other in his native India), and it is such a worthwhile day trip to explore. Come because of the snarky but wise videos on YouTube, stay because you feel enriched and peaceful!
Buddhism is such a beautiful religion, both because of the beliefs and the incredible artwork and architecture it inspires. Wat Lao is a Laotian Buddhist temple with monks who live on site, and may be surprising to see in Murfreesboro. (If you love Asian food, seek out the many Laotian options while you're there!) You'll also be moved by the mausoleums which circle the main complex, a loving place of rest for its followers in a way most westerners are not accustomed to.
I’ve been known to where a t-shirt that says, “Nature Is My Church, Love Is My Religion.” Being in an old-growth forest where the mature trees thrive you cannot ignore the soul stirring connections you make with these lush landscapes. Nature heals, but these forests are becoming smaller every year across the US. In Tennessee we are so fortunate to have quite a few to visit that are preserved and ready for a hike and camping!
I love this shrine in the woods of Eastern Tennessee so much, and it is built to celebrate a miracle. I realized its history really meant something when a convent of nuns who moved to Eastern Tennessee from Italy reached out to me. They had read the article and were planning a trip to the shrine with an all-day prayer vigil! I was so moved that I had stirred them into making such a meaningful trip, and hope that you’ll take the drive yourself once you learn the significance of its construction.
Whether you are curious about the Hindu faith or a fan of the beautiful Indian art and architecture, there is something here for everyone that will fascinate you and perhaps change you forever. I encourage you to take a tour and participate in one of the daily rituals or events, you will be moved, I promise!
I hope you have enjoyed these stories or found some new ones that will cause you to jump in the car and explore. I've written nearly three dozen posts in all, and some of my personal favorites are not even on this list but I think are so worth learning about. I encourage you to explore the site, broaden your mind and expand your definition of spirituality as I have while researching. As always, I would love to hear about your experiences and suggestions on other places that deserve a deep dive. And if you enjoy my blog, please consider purchasing an item from the store to support it. Take care and Peace to you all! - Lisa
Comments